Salem Police Arrest Suspect In Robbery/Assault Of South Salem Tool Shop Owner

The man is being charged with Robbery in the First Degree and Assault in the First Degree.

35-year old Salem resident Richard F Weaver

(SALEM, Ore.) - Salem Police detectives have arrested a suspect in the robbery and assault of the owner of the Thirteenth Street New & Used Tools Store in Salem on May 10th. 35-year old Salem resident Richard F Weaver was arrested at a local hotel in Salem during the early morning hours of May 12th, according to Salem PD Lt. Dave Okada.

"Based on tips from the community and investigative actions, Salem Police Detectives were able to identify Weaver as the suspect and located him at the hotel. The Salem Police Department SWAT Team was activated and arrested Weaver without further incident."

Okada says he was transported to the Marion County Jail and is being charged with Robbery in the First Degree and Assault in the First Degree.

The investigation began at approximately 9:02 a.m. on May 10, when Salem Police were called to "Thirteenth Street New & Used Tools" on a report of a victim who had been assaulted. Officers arrived to find 76-year old James Evans, the owner of the business, bleeding from the head. He was transported to Salem Hospital for treatment.

"The investigation has revealed that the the victim was robbed as well as assaulted. Despite his injuries, Evans was able to attract the attention of others in the area, who summoned police and medical personnel."

Okada says the investigation is continuing.